South Sydney knock over Manly in bruising battle

South Sydney have recorded a rare victory at Brookvale oval in a blockbuster encounter, 20 points to 12 in front of 20,510 fans tonight.

The pre-game billing touted this as heavyweight battle and it didn't disappoint the fans. Both teams were doling out the big hits in a quick opening twenty only stopped periodically by penalties.

The defensive credentials of the two sides showed that they were teams to be reckoned with later in this season. There was some niggle with Fa'aso and B.Stewart put on report for a dangerous tackle and slight elbow respectively.

South Sydney through all their possession were unable to penetrate it. Following a fifth straight penalty they opted to go for the two and Reynolds from 40 metres slotted it for a lead.

Manly roared back in the later stages of the first half but weren't able to break through despite throwing almost everything at the Rabbitohs. 34 players relished the halftime whistle in a tough encounter.

From the bruise to the flair in the second half as the key playmakers for each side entered the fray straight from the break. Greg Inlis hit a hole and went through Brett Stewart to open the try-scoring in the contest.

John Sutton stepped his way across from close range after being examined for obstruction but it was green lights. South Sydney were leading 14-0 away from home and dominating Manly on their own turf.

Steve Matai joined Richard Fa'aoso on report after an accidental high tackle on George Burgess that bounced up from the ball. It lit the touch paper though and Sam Burgess went in to protect his brother.

It would get better for the red and green faithful on the hill after Manly were denied a try to Tom Symonds for a Matt Ballin obstruction. Beau Champion crossed less than a minute later in the 55th minute off a Reynolds bat back. At 20-0 it was a long road back for Manly at home.

Rarely Manly are held scoreless in games especially at Brookvale where they boast a proud record. It took until the 71st minute when Anthony Watmough juggled and fumbled his way across for Manly's first points.

Daly Cherry-Evans pounced on a loose ball in the 73rd minute to give South Sydney fans a nervous wait until the final siren. Manly though weren't able to prise through again with Williams going close but knocking it on.

South Sydney won a tough, bruising encounter that went a long way to putting them right below the reigning premiers, Melbourne in the premiership contention.

Manly though didn't lose many admirers and there will be another meeting between these two in September or maybe the first weekend of October.

Here come the two teams! South Sydney first in their traditional cardinal and myrtle strip looking to claim their second top four scalp of the season. The Manly chant has started and here come the home side in the maroon and white v shaped jersey, walking to the southern end to receive the kick-off.

1st Minute: KICK-OFF and here we go, Brent Kite with the first hit-up.

1st Minute: High kick almost forces Inglis in goal but he's taken in a second motion so PENALTY South Sydney.

5th Minute: Jorge Taufua just popped through the line and streamed up-field, looking to draw Inglis but is taken. On last they shift it right and the kick goes dead.

6th Minute: A wayward kick from Reynolds hits one of his fellow players playing Horo onside who scoops it to Taufua who is caught high. PENALTY.

8th Minute: Manly try the cross-field kick on last but Matai knocks on the bat back then heads to the arms of the trainers.

9th Minute: Manly earning a PENALTY through quick play the balls as Souths are forced to hold the ball to slow them down.

58th Minute: Manly are throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the Rabbitohs but no result thus far.

60th Minute: Brett Stewart sliced through some flimsy defense but couldn't find a speedster, he found Lawrence instead who was tackled. Manly get a fortunate six more call and try to probe the line.

61st Minute: Knock on South Sydney. Another Manly set.

62nd Minute: PENALTY Manly. They are throwing this ball like a hot potato trying to break the South Sydney line.

TRY MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES Scored by Anthony Watmough. Conversion attempt by Jamie Lyon successful.64th Minute: Manly are on the board! A juggling act from Watmough dazes the defense allowing him to bounce over the Sea Eagles first score of the game. Lyon nails the conversion. South Sydney Rabbitohs 20-6

64th Minute: PENALTY Manly. Hand on the ball. Momentum swinging here.

65th Minute: Knock on Manly. Sloppy play-the-ball.

68th Minute: Pinpoint kick from Sutton where the ball sat perfectly for the chasers to take Williams in-goal.

69th Minute: Innovation from the drop-out, Manly take it short and recover!

70th Minute: Manly prise an opening and Watmough is on for his second try but he's taken without the ball. PENALTY.

71st Minute: Nothing done, so Glenn Stewart rolls it in for another set.

TRY MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES Scored by Daly Cherry-Evans. Conversion attempt by Jamie Lyon successful.73rd Minute: Well, well well.. game on here at Brookvale. A loose pass is bouncing around, scooped up by Cherry-Evans who keeps on going until he finds the line! Lyon converts quickly. South Sydney Rabbitohs 20-12

74th Minute: Manly trying to force the pass, knocked on.

75th Minute: Mis-count by South Sydney and it was a hit-up on last. Followed by a PENALTY.

VIDEO REFEREE: Checking the grounding for a Williams TRY.

76th Minute: And it is... RED LIGHTS.. NO TRY! but there is a penalty for a shoulder charge. Manly will have another set of six.

77th Minute: PENALTY again for Manly. Offside.

77th Minute: Fourth tackle and Brent Kite kicks, it goes dead. That should be game over.

78th Minute: South Sydney try to put some icing on the cake but it goes forward!

80th Minute: One last gunshot fired by Manly but it goes right to Everingham. South Sydney will work this out for a rare victory at Brookvale.

FULLTIME. South Sydney have knocked over a heavyweight tonight in Manly.